Training employees is crucial for companies that want to remain competitive in today's fast-paced business world. There are several options available, with two of the most popular being hiring new employees and reskilling current employees. However, each option has its pros and cons, and deciding which option is best for your company depends on several factors such as budget, timeline, and the specific skills needed.

Hiring New Employees: Pros and Cons

One of the most common ways to fill a skill gap in a company is to hire new employees. While hiring new employees has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to this approach.

Pros of Hiring New Employees

Fresh Perspective: Hiring new employees with different backgrounds and experiences can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the company. This can lead to innovation and help the company to stay ahead of the competition.

Established Skills: Hiring new employees with specific skills can quickly fill gaps in the company's skillset. This is especially beneficial if the company needs a particular skill that current employees do not possess.

Cons of Hiring New Employees

Cost: Hiring new employees can be expensive, especially if they have an impressive resume or come from a different location. The company will also need to provide them with benefits, which can increase the cost even further.

Training Time: New employees need time to adapt to the company's culture, policies, and procedures. This can be time-consuming for both the new employee and the company.

Reskilling Current Employees: Pros and Cons

Reskilling current employees is another option for companies looking to fill skill gaps in their team. This approach requires more effort initially, but it can have several benefits.

Pros of Reskilling Current Employees

Cost-effective: Reskilling current employees can be more cost-effective than hiring new employees. Companies can save money on recruitment costs, training costs, and benefits.

Increased Loyalty: By investing in their current employees' skills, companies can increase their loyalty and retention rates. Employees who feel valued and supported by their company are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

Cons of Reskilling Current Employees

Time-Consuming: Reskilling current employees can be more time-consuming than hiring new employees. Employees need time to learn new skills, and the company may need to invest in training programs and resources.

Resistance to Change: Some employees may be resistant to change and may not be open to learning new skills. This can make it challenging to implement new training programs.

How Do I Decide which Option is Better for Me?

When companies need to fill skill gaps, they often face the dilemma of whether to hire new employees or retrain current employees. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The decision entirely depends on the company's circumstances, including their budget, timeline, and the specific skills they need.

In some cases, hiring new employees might be the better option. For example, if a company needs a particular skill that none of its current employees possess, it might be more efficient to bring in a new employee with the required skill. Additionally, if the company is expanding its operations and needs a large number of employees with the same skillset, it might make sense to hire new employees. This is because training a large number of employees can be time-consuming and costly.

However, in other cases, retraining current employees might be the more effective option. If the company already has employees with some of the necessary skills, investing in their training can be a more cost-effective solution than hiring new employees. Additionally, if the company values employee loyalty and wants to build a long-term relationship with its employees, investing in their training can be an effective way to show that they are valued. This can lead to increased employee retention and satisfaction.

Another factor to consider when deciding between retraining current employees and hiring new ones is the time frame. If the company needs to fill a skill gap immediately, hiring new employees might be the better option. However, if the company has the time to invest in training, retraining current employees can be a better long-term solution.

It's worth noting that both options have their drawbacks. Hiring new employees can be costly, and there is always a risk of turnover. Meanwhile, retraining current employees can be time-consuming, and there is a risk that some employees might not be open to learning new skills.

Ultimately, the decision between retraining current employees and hiring new ones depends entirely on the company's situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and companies need to carefully consider their circumstances and goals before making a decision. By evaluating their needs, resources, and timelines, companies can determine which option is the most cost-effective and beneficial for their business.

Give Your Employees the Skills They Need

Both hiring new employees and reskilling current employees have their pros and cons. Which option is best for your company depends on several factors such as budget, timeline, and the specific skills needed. Currently, many employees need training in data analytics, which is where a Data Analytics Bootcamp can help.

Pace offers a Data Analytics Bootcamp that can help companies reskill their current employees or provide the necessary skills for new hires. Ultimately, the decision to hire or reskill employees should align with the company's overall goals and budget.